As I was purposely trying to get lost and discover new places in Tokyo, I found a group of young people queuing outside what seemed to be an ordinary café. I observed some of them patiently waiting while swinging and resting in white hammocks. I couldn’t stop my curiosity about this place. I peeked in through one of the few small windows, just to find one of the most authentic places I’ve seen: a hammock café.

Walking into the coffee shop to observe friends and couples laughing and talking while other guests enjoyed their time on their own, built up the atmosphere of the place. The smooth swinging of the hammocks added the relaxed and laid back environment. The dim lights, soft music, burning incense, and well-thought details created an intimate and cozy room.

Once assigned to a hammock, you need to go over the menu at least twice to think what you really want to order. It doesn’t matter if you are more into drinking tea, coffee, or cocktails, everything seems “oishi.” If you are hungry and want to leave Japanese food behind for a while, there are delicious options including a salmon and avocado poki rice or homemade gnocchi. Let’s not forget the creative presentation in all of their drinks and dishes.

As soon as you finally order, you learn that you are missing a fundamental part of the concept of mahika mano. It’s not only a café, it’s a showroom. Their idea is to show how relaxing, comfortable, and even therapeutic swinging a hammock can be. In case you’re convinced a hammock would be a good option for your home, office or garden, the staff can help you choose the right one for you. Prices range from ¥16,500 for a small one to ¥18,000 for a bigger one.

Given the showroom design and concept, mahika mano has a strict no children and no photography policy.

The themed café is located at the heart of Kichijoji, voted the most wanted to live town in all of Tokyo. Mahika mano is a great place to go after spending a day visiting the main attractions of the area, including the Ghibli museum, Inokashira park and the many yokocho alleys.

This original café is open Monday to Saturday 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. Last orders are one hour before closing time. Expect to pay an average of ¥700 for drinks and ¥1,200 for food. If someone in your group is celebrating a birthday, make sure to call beforehand. They will treat you with a special, delicious and homemade surprise.